Drew Barham: Possibly the Most Interesting Player at Gonzaga

Drew Barham already has a degree in sports management, he likes art and doesn't play video games (Photo: SWX)

SPOKANE, Wash. -

Once a Memphis Tiger, now a Gonzaga Bulldog, Drew Barham's story is just as interesting – if not more so – than any other player on this year's team.

The former Tiger transferred to Gonzaga after spending a redshirt season with his hometown school in Memphis. He focused on school during the summer to get his degree requirements out of the way, clearing the way for him to lace up the sneakers this season for the Zags.

Now, a three-point specialist, Barham has seen his role increase ever so steadily as the Zags wind down an incredible journey through the West Coast Conference.

He recently sat down with Zags play-by-play name Greg Heister. Here are some of the highlights.

Q: You went to Memphis because it was the hometown team? Was it an easy choice?

A: "I had other options. I was looking at Butler, I was looking at Southern Illinois. I actually signed with Southern Illinois but there was a coaching change. Coach Calipari left Memphis, Coach [Josh Pastner] got the job at Memphis. It was just a whirlwind the day after I committed. I ended up getting out of it and so I went to Memphis and stayed at home."

Q: Did you like your time there?

A: "I did. It's my home. It wasn't the overall best experience in a way, but I learned from it and had a great time. If I had to change it I wouldn't change it. I grew up a lot."

Q: The minutes… are starting to come, aren't they? How did this happen?

A: "I guess it's just like what coach Few said. Every dog has its day. And he kept telling me that you never know when your time is going to be, you'll probably never know, you just have to be ready. And my time got called and I made shots and slowly kept getting more playing time. And I'm feeling I can help the team more in different ways – rebounding and defense."

Q: What do you like to do besides playing basketball?

A: "I like all sports. I like to be on lakes. I like art; I can draw and paint. I don't have much time but I mess around with it every now and then."

Q: You're not a video game guy?

A: "I'm not! I am the worst ad video games. Actually, me and Kevin Pangos are probably the bottom. We play each other just to see who is the worst. My mom said I needed to be more well-rounded than that, so she would never let me have the video game consoles. She said I either needed to go outside and play or go outside and shoot or do something productive."

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